Slow Cooker Applesauce – easy 4-ingredient kid friendly recipe for homemade chunk or smooth applesauce. A must-make this apple season.
This easy applesauce crockpot recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and tart and even better – you choose chunky or smooth.
Just 4 ingredients then the slow cooker does the heavy lifting. So simple kids can even make this recipe!
Why this recipe works:
- It calls for just 4 simple ingredients and is loaded with delicious fall flavors.
- It’s an ideal holiday side because it goes with everything and doesn’t take up precious oven real estate.
- This is a total kid-friendly recipe and a great way to get kids busy in the kitchen.
- Applesauce makes a healthy snack and with a little lemon juice, the delicious flavor of the apples pops!
- The caramelized flavor of the brown sugar we use compliments the tartness of the apples.
Ingredients in Slow Cooker Applesauce:
These 4 ingredients are the only ingredients you’ll need for delicious homemade applesauce.
- apples (Gala and Granny Smith used/see below for options)
- lemon juice
- light brown sugar
- cinnamon
What kind of apples make the best applesauce?
Use a variety of sweet apples and tangy or tart apples. The best tasting applesauce comes from a combination of 2-3 varieties.
- Granny Smith – super tangy and tart
- Gala – sweet
- Fuji – sweet
- Honeycrisp – a blend of sweet and tart
- Braeburn – also a blend of sweet and tart
- Jonagold – sweet with a tangy aftertaste
- Pink Lady – sweet
- Golden Delicious – sweet and tangy
Avoid McIntosh or Red Delicious apples which are better for snacking, not cooking or baking.
How to make Slow Cooker Applesauce:
Peel, core and dice the apples into similar sizes then add the apples to the slow cooker.
Top with lemon juice, brown sugar and cinnamon then pour little bit of water over the top and give it a stir.
Cover and simmer 3-4 hours on high.
For a chunky applesauce, just give it a gentle stir when it’s finished cooking.
For a smooth applesauce consistency, whisk vigorously, smash using a potato masher OR a give it a few pulses with an immersion blender.
Allow the applesauce to cool completely then place in a mason jar or other sealed container and store in the refrigerator.
How long does homemade applesauce last?
This applesauce with be good in the refrigerator for 7-10 days in a sealed container
How to make unsweetened applesauce:
If you prefer a sugar-free version, use only sweet or sweet-tart apple varieties, but no Granny Smith and leave out both the lemon juice and sugar.
Can I freeze applesauce?
Yes – this applesauce freezes really well.
Cool completely then transfer the applesauce to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Store in the freezer up to 3 months for best flavor.
Should I serve applesauce warm or cold?
There’s no wrong answer here. It’s personal preference. I like warm applesauce because it reminds me of fresh baked apple pie, but the choice is yours!
What goes with applesauce?
Roast Pork Tenderloin – easy, 20 minute recipe for tender, juicy pork medallions with a delicious honey balsamic savory-sweet glaze.
City Chicken – authentic Polish recipe – cubed pork skewers breaded and baked until golden and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Polish Potato Pancakes – lightly crisp outside, tender fluffy shredded potato inside. Applesauce side dish is one of my go-to recipes with this recipe.
Enjoy!
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Slow Cooker Applesauce
Equipment
- slow cooker/crockpot
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples use a variety of sweet and tart
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or more to taste
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Peel, core and dice the apples into similar sizes then add to the slow cooker.
- Top with lemon juice, brown sugar and cinnamon then pour water over the top and stir.
- Cover and simmer 3 1/2 to 4 hours on high.
- For CHUNKY applesauce, gently stir when it's finished cooking. For SMOOTH applesauce, use a whisk, potato masher or immersion for desired consistency.
- Cool completely then transfer to mason jars or other sealed containers. It'll keep in the fridge up to 10 days.
Hi! I’m excited to try this recipe. We have an apple tree that produces pretty small apples. Can you tell me how many cups of chopped apples to use, based on your recipe that calls for 6 medium apples? With my small apples I’m sure I’ll need to use more than 6. Thanks!
Hi Rachael – Lucky you with that apple tree – can’t beat that kind of freshness! I generally get about 1 cup of sliced apples per apple so figure about 6 cups after slicing. It’s a forgiving recipe – 6-7 cups will work well. Enjoy your applesauce! ~ Bernie
Thanks so much!! The apple sauce turned out delicious!! Thankfully our apples are some crisp and tart variety, perfect for sauce and baking!
Hi Rachael – I appreciate the follow up 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! How fun you using your own apples!! 🙂 ~ Bernie
Hi Can I use a regular stock pot??? I dont have a crock pot…. 🙁
I have tried this from a friend that made it and will be making it tomorrow!!
Hi Caitlyn – assuming you mean can you cook it on top of the stove – YES! 🙂 – you can definitely make this recipe without the crockpot. The crockpot/slow cooker gives you a hands-off advantage but you’ll get the same delicious taste with either method. Simmer over low heat until the apples are tender. I hope you enjoy the recipe – it’s my family’s favorite! Thanks for stopping by ~ Bernie
Is it possible to can the applesauce?
Hi Susie – yes you can definitely can the applesauce made in this recipe. You can also freeze it in zip-top bags (up to 2 months). – thanks for your interest in the recipe.
Just made this with fresh apples from the orchard, it was delicious! I just filled my crockpot to about 2 in from the top and used several different types of apples.
Hi Evelynne – fresh fall apples from the orchard are the BEST! I can imagine the amazing aroma in your house — thank you!!
Absolute Perfection!! Did it ole school on stove top, it turned out so very fine. Love the simplicity and will be making more for sure. Thank you.
Hi Sue – thank you so much! Great idea doing it stove top — I’m happy you enjoyed the recipe and I appreciate you taking the time to comment and leave that 5 star review! — Bernie
II gave my grandchildren a choice of all the things I make for them. They all chose the applesauce.
Hi Bob – this truly makes my day! Thanks for sharing this recipe with your grandchildren and taking the time to leave some kind words (and 5 stars!). Enjoy the day — Bernie
Wow, talk about easy. The only hard part is peeling, coring and slicing apples. I made this according to the recipe and then also made a larger batch using 5 lbs. of apples without doubling the other ingredients. I wanted an almost unsweetened applesauce in a larger batch. It was perfect. Thank You for sharing your recipe.
Hi Diane – thank YOU so much for your kind words — I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! — Bernie